Universal cable window regulator assembly for vehicles

ABSTRACT

A cable window regulator ( 10 ) is provided which comprises a first pulley ( 42 ) rotatably mounted to a first pulley bracket ( 44 ) for rotation about a first pulley axis and a second pulley ( 52 ) rotatably mounted to a second pulley bracket ( 54 ) for rotation about a second pulley axis. The regulator further comprises a lift plate ( 60 ) securable to a window glass ( 70 ), a cable ( 80, 82 ) affixed at opposite ends thereof to the lift plate ( 60 ) and running over the first and second pulleys ( 42, 52 ). A window regulator drive assembly ( 90 ) is operably connected to the cable for causing movement of the cable and in turn moving lift plate ( 60 ) relative to the first and second pulleys ( 42, 52 ). The first pulley bracket ( 44 ), second pulley bracket ( 54 ) and window regulator drive assembly ( 90 ) are mountable to a structure housing the window independently of any window rail.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to the manually or poweractuated windows and more specifically to window regulators for suchwindows.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]FIGS. 1 and 2 are respectively a front elevation and a perspectiveview of a typical conventional cable window lift system generallyindicated by reference numeral 20. The system 20 includes a windowregulator rail 22 along which runs a lift plate 24 which in turn isattached to a window glass (not shown). A top pulley 26 and a bottompulley 28 are mounted to opposite ends of the rail 22. A cable 30 isattached to the lift plate 24 and extends over the top and bottompulleys, 26 and 28 respectively. The cable 30 is operably connected to awindow regulator motor 32 which causes the cable 30 to movelongitudinally and in turn causes the lift plate 24 and any windowattached thereto to move along the rail 22.

[0003] The conventional cable window lift systems 20 tend to be vehiclespecific. As the window glass moves with the lift plate 24, and aswindow glass in automobiles is typically curved, the rail 22 must have acurvature corresponding to the glass and this will vary from vehicle tovehicle and from window to window within a given vehicle. Furthermorethe rail must have a length consistent with the window travel which willvary from model to model, for example, a two door model versus a fourdoor model.

[0004] Overall length of the rail 22 and top and bottom pulleys, 26 and28 respectively, is also a concern as the vertical height availablewithin, for example a door, is limited by the available space. Theconventional cable window lift systems 20 have an overall height ofapproximately that of the travelled portion of the rail 22 plus theheight of the top pulley 26 and that of the bottom pulley 28. Theplacement of the top pulley 26 and bottom pulley 28 on the rail 22, andtypically in a plane parallel to the lift plate travel direction limitsthe travel of the lift plate 24 to the distance between the pulleys. Anyattempt at further travel will result in the lift plate 24 strikingeither the top or bottom pulley 26 and 28 respectively.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The disadvantages of the prior art may be overcome by providing acable window regulator, which is not vehicle specific.

[0006] It is further desirable to provide a cable window regulator,which does not require a rail.

[0007] It is yet further desirable to provide a cable window regulatorin which a lift plate is moveable over a distance greater than the spanbetween two pulleys.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a cable windowregulator is provided which has a first pulley rotatably mounted to afirst pulley bracket for rotation about a first pulley axis and a secondpulley rotatably mounted to a second pulley bracket for rotation about asecond pulley axis. A lift plate is securable to a window glassconstrained to travel in a window plane. Cables are affixed at oppositeand distal ends of the lift plate and trained about the first and secondpulleys. An drive assembly (e.g. motor, crank, etc.) is operablyconnected to the cables for causing movement of the cable and in turnmoving lift plate relative to the first and second pulleys. The firstpulley axis and the second pulley axis extending parallel to and spacedfrom the window plane.

[0009] The first and second pulley brackets may be mountable to thestructure with the first and second pulley axis parallel to a plane oftravel of the window.

[0010] The first and second pulley brackets may be mountable to thestructure to position the first and second pulleys out of a path ofmovement of the window to avoid interference between the lift plate andthe pulleys.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the cable windowregulator of the present invention is incorporated into a carrier panelof a door module.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided acable window regulator assembly having at least four cable guidingelements, each rotatably mounted to a respective bracket that are spacedrelative to each other in a generally rectangular configuration. A liftplate assembly is securable to a closure panel that is constrained totravel in a closure plane. A pair of first cables is affixed to oppositesides of the lift plate at opposite edges thereof. The cables aretrained about a first pair of cable guiding elements to operativelyengage a regulator drive assembly, whereby driven rotation of the driveassembly in opposite senses effects reciprocating travel of the liftplate. The first pair of cables extends between the drive assembly andthe first pair of cable guiding elements along a first cable path. Asecond cable is affixed to the lift plate at opposite sides thereof andis trained about a second pair of said cable guiding elements tomaintain coordinated travel of the lift plate. The second cable extendsbetween the second pair of cable guiding elements along a second cablepath. The first cable path crosses the second cable path. The at leastfour cable guiding elements has an axis of curvature that extendsparallel to and is spaced from the closure plane.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described indetail below with reference to the accompanying illustrations in which:

[0014]FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a prior art cable window liftsystem;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the prior art cable windowregulator of FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the mounting of oneembodiment a cable window regulator according to the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration corresponding to FIG. 3 showingan alternate mounting arrangement;

[0018]FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a first end of a cablewindow regulator in a “glass up” configuration;

[0019]FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a second end of a cablewindow regulator according to the present invention in a “glass down”configuration;

[0020]FIG. 7 is an end elevation illustrating a cable window regulatoraccording to the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 8 is a front elevation illustrating a cable window regulatoraccording to the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 9 is a front elevation illustrating a cable window regulatoraccording to the present invention having one pair of first and secondpulleys mounted to a door;

[0023]FIG. 10 is a front elevation illustrating a cable window regulatoraccording to the present invention having two pairs of first and secondpulleys mounted to a door;

[0024]FIG. 11 is a side elevational view illustrating a door moduleincorporating a window regulator according to the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 12 is a reverse elevational view of the embodiment of FIG.11;

[0026]FIG. 13 is side elevational view illustrating a second embodimentof a door module incorporating a window regulator according to thepresent invention; and

[0027]FIG. 14 is side elevational view illustrating a third embodimentof a door module incorporating a window regulator according to thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] A cable window regulator assembly according to the presentinvention is generally depicted by reference numeral 40 in FIGS. 3through 10. The assembly 40 has a first pulley 42 rotatably mounted in afirst pulley bracket 44 for rotation about a first pulley axis 46. Theassembly 40 further has a second pulley 52 rotatably mounted in a secondpulley bracket 54 for rotation about a second pulley axis 56.

[0029] A lift plate 60 is provided which is securable to a closure panelor window glass 70 and affixed to cables 80 and 81 for movementlongitudinally therewith. Cables 80, 81 are trained about and guided bythe first pulley 42 and second pulley 52, respectively. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the window regulating cable 80 has end 82 secured to alower part 62 of the lift plate 60 at tabs 83 and cable 81 has end 84secured to an upper part 64 of the lift plate 60 at tabs 85. Such amounting arrangement wherein the cables attach to the horizontally andvertically distal ends of the lift plate 60 increases the distance thatthe lift plate 60 can travel before tabs 82 engage the first pulley 42(or the first pulley bracket 44) or tabs 85 engage the second pulley 52(or the second pulley bracket 54). In this manner, the distance ofwindow travel is not limited to the distance between the first pulley 42and the second pulley 52. Accordingly, brackets 44 and 54 may be mountedto the door 100 away from the upper and lower edges where the door isthinner and space is at a premium.

[0030] A regulator drive assembly 90 is operably connected to the cablefor causing movement of the cables 80, 81 to in turn move the lift plate60 and thereby move the window glass 70. The drive assembly 90 caneither be a power motor or actuator assembly or a manual crank assembly.Typically an outer sheath will be provided over the cable between thedrive assembly 90 and the first and second pulley brackets 42 and 52respectively to prevent relative movement therebetween.

[0031] Unlike prior art configurations, the drive assembly 90 and aswell the first pulley bracket 42 and second pulley bracket 52 areseparately mountable to a structure such as a door 100 housing thewindow glass or panel 70. The window glass 70 may be mounted in guiderails 110 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 to guide its movement to a closure orwindow plane.

[0032]FIG. 3 illustrates mounting the first pulley bracket 44 and thesecond pulley bracket 54 directly to the door panel structure 100. Sucha mounting would require that adequate structural integrity be providedby the door panel structure 100 and may be inconvenient during theassembly. The remaining Figures illustrate an intermediate bracket 102extending between the first pulley bracket 44 and the second pulleybracket 54 to provide further support and accommodate the assembly. Theintermediate bracket 102 may be integrated with the first pulley bracket44 and the second pulley bracket 54.

[0033] According to the present invention movement of the lift plate 60is caused by movement of the cables 80, 81 and guided by the windowglass 70. The lift plate 60 does not run on a conventional rail. Guiderails 110 guide and constrain the window glass 70 to travel in a windowplane.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first pulley 42 and second pulley52 may be offset from the window plane so as not to interfere with thelift plate 60. Furthermore the first pulley 42 and second pulley 52 arerotatably mounted perpendicular to the window plane unlike the prior artarrangement wherein the top pulley 26, bottom pulley 24, rail 22 andlift plate 24 were generally parallel to the window plane. The firstpulley axis 46 and the second pulley axis are generally parallel to andspaced from each other and the window plane.

[0035] In some instances, for example with larger window glass 70, itmay be preferable to have more than one pair of first and second pulleys42 and 52 respectively along with respective first and second pulleybrackets 44 and 54 and lift plates 60. An arrangement where two pairs ofthe foregoing operated by cables 80, 81 interconnected by anintermediate cable 180 and window regulating motor 90 is shown in FIG.10. The intermediate cable 180 assists in maintaining coordinated travelof the glass 70 and prevent the glass 70 from twisting relative to theglass run channels and jamming therein.

[0036] It is now apparent to those skilled in the art that the firstpulley and the second pulleys could be replaced by arcuate non-rotatingsliding surfaces. The arcuate sliding surfaces are commonly utilized inthe window regulating industry to replace pulleys. Advantageously, thesliding surface could be molded directly to the mounting bracket. Thearcuate sliding surface will have a center of curvature along the firstand second pulley axi. Thus, the sliding surface is equivalent to apulley and mount arrangement.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the window regulator of the presentinvention is incorporated into a door module. As is well known in theart, the door module may carry a variety of the door components and maybe based on the sealed hardware carrier, non-sealed hardware carrier,trim panel, etc. For clarity and illustration purposes, the shown doormodule 200 comprises a carrier panel 202, a window panel 204 and a pairof glass run channels 206 and 208. The window panel 204 is slidable inthe glass run channels 206, 208. Glass run channels are optionallyconnected to the carrier panel 202 or affixed to the door frame (notillustrated).

[0038] The carrier panel 202 is preferably molded from an organicplastic material. The carrier panel has integrally molded recess 248 forhousing cable drum 216 and has a series of grooves 210 and 212 thatintersect in a crossing pattern. The grooves 210 and 212 define cablepaths. Alternatively, the cable paths can extend above the surface ofthe carrier panel 202. Cable guiding elements, namely pulleys 214, 218and 220, are rotatably mounted at locations of the paths 210, 212 attuning points where the paths 210, 212 change direction. The cable drum216 is drivingly mounted on the drive assembly 222 mounted on thereverse side of the carrier panel 202. In the example illustrated, thecable drum 216 is located to serves also as a one of the cable guidingelements. At least one of the pulleys is mounted on a movable pivot thatis biased to apply a tensioning force to the cable 224. In the exampleillustrated, pulley 220 is mounted in such a fashion, and the cable 244is connected to the lift plate 242 by a tensioning device.

[0039] Carrier panel 202 is further provided with mounts 226, 228, 230and 232, spaced therabout in a generally rectangular configuration. Eachof the mounts 226, 228, 230 and 232 generally comprise a series offlanges that extend perpendicularly to the face of the panel 202.Preferably, mounts 226, 228, 230 and 232 are integrally molded onto thesurface of the carrier panel 202. However, it is possible to attach oraffix the mounts 226, 228, 230 and 232 to the panel utilizingconventional bonding or fastening techniques.

[0040] Pulleys 234, 236, 238 and 240 are pivotally mounted on the mounts226, 228, 230 and 232. Pulleys 236, 238 rotate about a first and secondupper pulley axi, which are parallel to each other. Pulleys 234, 240rotate about a third and fourth lower pulley axi, which are parallel toeach other. Upper and lower axi are also parallel to each other. Theupper and lower axi also extend generally transverse to the direction oftravel of the closure panel 204.

[0041] Cable 224 extends from the drum 216 downwardly along the path210, about tensioning pulley 220, about pulley 240 and upwardly to anupper edge of the right side of lift plate 242. Cable 244 extends fromthe drum 216 upwardly, about pulley 236 and downwardly to the bottomedge of the left side of lift plate 242. Cable 246 extends from thelower edge of the right side of lift plate 242 upwardly about pulley 238downwardly about pulley 218 in groove 212, about pulley 214 and pulley234 and upwardly to the upper edge of the left side of lift plate 242.

[0042] Lift plate 242 has been illustrated as a single element extendingfrom pulley 236 to pulley 238. However, it is apparent to those skilledin the art that lift plate 242 could be two separate elements. Also itis apparent to those skilled in the art, that the arrangement and numberof the cable guiding elements, location of the cable drum, location andnumber of cable tensioning devices can vary without departing from thescope of the present invention.

[0043] The examples of such variations are shown in the FIG. 13 and 14.In the FIG. 13 the cable drum 216′ is relocated towards the centre ofthe carrier panel 202. Additional cable guiding pulley 300′ is locatedbetween the cable drum 216′ and the pulley 236. The cable guided pulley300′ is mounted on a movable pivot that is biased to apply a tensioningforce to the cable 244. In the FIG. 14 the cable drum 216″ is relocatedtowards the edge of the carrier panel 202. Additional cable guidingpulley 300″ is located between the cable drum 216″ and the pulley 236.In this embodiment the pulley 220 is attached directly to the carrierpanel 202. The cables 224 and 244 are tensioned by the devicespositioned in other locations, e.g. in the liftplate 242.

[0044] Energizing the drive assembly 222 in opposite senses drives thewindow panel 204 between open and closed positions. Cable 246 operatesto maintain the window panel 204 to move squarely relative glass runchannels 206, 208.

[0045] As is apparent to those skilled in the art, the carrier panel 202can be configured to support other components that are commonly found invehicle doors, such as audio speakers latch, switches, wire harness,etc.

[0046] Additionally, the cable guiding elements along the cable paths210, 212 could be replaced by a non-rotating running surfaces or slidesto minimize costs.

[0047] The above description is intended in an illustrative rather thana restrictive sense. Variations may be apparent to those skilled in suchstructures without departing from the scope of the present inventionwhich is defined by the claims set out below.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cable window regulator assembly comprising: afirst pulley rotatably mounted to a first pulley bracket for rotationabout a first pulley axis; a second pulley rotatably mounted to a secondpulley bracket for rotation about a second pulley axis; a lift platesecurable to a closure panel constrained to travel in a closure plane; apair of cables affixed to said lift plate is trained about said firstand second pulleys; and, a window regulator drive assembly operablyconnected to said pair of cables for causing movement of said cables andin turn moving said lift plate and effecting said travel of said closurepanel; said first pulley axis and said second pulley axis extendingparallel to and spaced from said closure plane, characterized by saidlift plate being guided solely by said closure panel travelling in saidclosure plane.
 2. A cable window regulator as claimed in claim 1 whereinsaid pair of cables are attached to said lift plate at opposite anddistal ends thereof.
 3. A cable window regulator assembly as claimed inclaim 2 wherein said first and second pulley brackets are mountable to adoor panel structure.
 4. A cable window regulator assembly as claimed inclaim 3 wherein said first and second brackets are connected together byan intermediate bracket.
 5. A cable window regulator assembly as claimedin claim 4 wherein said first and second brackets are integral with saidintermediate bracket.
 6. A cable window regulator assembly as claimed inclaim 5 wherein said window regulator drive assembly is mounted to saidintermediate bracket.
 7. A cable window regulator as claimed in claim 1further comprising a carrier panel and wherein said first and secondpulley brackets are mounted on said carrier panel.
 8. A cable windowregulator as claimed in claim 7 wherein said carrier panel has a seriesof grooves molded therein and said cables travel in said grooves.
 9. Acable window regulator assembly comprising: at least four pulleys, eachrotatably mounted to a respective pulley bracket that are spacedrelative to each other in a generally rectangular configuration; a liftplate assembly securable to a closure panel that is constrained totravel in a closure plane; a window regulator drive assembly; a pair offirst cables affixed to said opposite sides and opposite edges of saidlift plate, said cables trained about a first pair of said pulleys tooperatively engage said drive assembly whereby driven rotation of saiddrive assembly in opposite senses effects reciprocating travel of saidlift plate, said first pair of cables extending between the driveassembly and said first pair of pulleys along a first cable path; asecond cable affixed to said lift plate at opposite sides thereof andtrained about a second pair of said pulleys to maintain coordinatedtravel of said lift plate, said second cable extending between saidsecond pair of pulleys along a second cable path, said first cable pathcrossing said second cable path; said at least four pulleys eachrotating about an axis that extends parallel to and is spaced from saidclosure plane, characterized by said lift plate being guided solely bysaid closure panel travelling in said closure plane.
 10. A cable windowregulator as claimed in claim 9 further comprising a carrier panel andwherein said pulley brackets are mounted on said carrier panel.
 11. Acable window regulator as claimed in claim 9 further comprising acarrier panel and wherein said pulley brackets are integrally molded tosaid carrier panel.
 12. A cable window regulator as claimed in claim 11wherein said carrier panel has a series of grooves molded therein alongthe cable paths and said cables travel in said grooves.
 13. A cablewindow regulator as claimed in claim 12 wherein said cable paths have atleast one tensioning device engaging one of said cables.
 14. A cablewindow regulator as claimed in claim 13 wherein said cable paths havecable guiding elements at turning points of said cable paths.
 15. Acable window regulator as claimed in claim 14 wherein said cable guidingelements are corner slides.
 16. A cable window regulator as claimed inclaim 14 wherein said cable guiding elements are pulleys.
 17. A cablewindow regulator as claimed in claim 16 wherein at least one of saidcable guiding elements is rotatably mounted on a moveable mount, saidmount being biased to apply a tensioning force to one of said cables.18. A cable window regulator assembly comprising: a first arcuate cableguiding element having center of curvature along a first pulley axis; asecond acruate cable guiding element having a center of curvature alonga second pulley axis; a lift plate securable to a closure panelconstrained to travel in a closure plane; a pair of cables affixed tosaid lift plate is trained about said first and second cable guidingelements; and, a window regulator drive assembly operably connected tosaid pair of cables for causing movement of said cables and in turnmoving said lift plate relative to said first and second cable guidingelements; said first pulley axis and said second pulley axis extendingparallel to and spaced from said closure plane, characterized by saidlift plate being guided solely by said closure panel travelling in saidclosure plane.
 19. A cable window regulator as claimed in claim 18wherein said pair of cables are attached to said lift plate at oppositeand distal ends thereof.